Disclaimer: The following is a non-profit fan-based retelling. The Sly Cooper series is created, and owned by Sucker Punch, and Sony Entertainment. Please support the official releases.

*Flashback*

Sly felt at this point, that if there was a moment like this that exemplifies the term 'Bittersweet Ending', it would have to be this moment right here, as he was at the door to Carmelita's room.

Where he was watching her already packing up her stuff into her backpack, including her sacred book.

The reason why she did this, was because of the fact that she has been officially adopted by a loving family. And fortunately for her, they were wealthy Spaniards that was from Latin America, and they had a home in Florida that they would all live in.

The family was either chaste, or unable to have children, either of which both Sly and Carmelita didn't know, so they decided to come to the orphanage to adopt someone that they could be fond of. And Carmelita was the one that they took a shine towards, due to her nationality among other things.

Like how adorable she happened to be, how polite she was to them, and due to her desire to join law enforcement. Something that they felt was a good goal to strive for, considering that she told them of her descendance from Spain's Kings guard, and the knights that fought in the Reconquista, which she also told Sly about beforehand.

Which was why they eventually went through with her adoption. Much to her joy when she learned about it, and how official it was.

Sly was also pretty happy that she was formally adopted too. Even though at the same time, he was also instantly missing her. After all, he has yet to be adopted as well. And he knew that they hadn't planned on adopting him too, as they felt that one child would be enough. Not only that, but there was the fact that he was going to be a thief like his ancestors before him, and he did train himself as such after the cookie heist.

And speaking of which, a part of Sly was fearing that this was set up by Mrs. Puffin, on her assumption that Carmelita was also involved with the heist, (Which she admittedly was by distracting the janitor, before he could enter the room where Sly was.) since Sly got away with the cookies, and Mrs. Puffin never found out that it was him that took them. And that frustrated her to no end since she cannot find him, let alone know who he is and make an example of him to the other orphans on what would happen to thieves like him, once they get brought to justice. So, she was seemingly taking the punishment out on Carmelita by separating her from him and his gang with an adoption. Oh, how Sly dreads that it is the case, as he would've stolen more stuff from her to punish her back if it was.

Either way, even if it wasn't the case, it wouldn't have done anything. As Carmelita is still going away to live with her new parents. And Sly was already fond of her enough as it is. So, to see that she's leaving the orphanage without him did leave him feeling quite bummed out.

Actually, scratch that, he was quite somber himself. Because he knew he was going to miss her. And considering that he has yet to get adopted himself anytime soon, or may never get adopted by the neighbors of the parents that adopted her, they may never see each other again for a long time.

Carmelita on the other hand, was happy herself that she has a new family that has adopted her, considering how loving they were, as well as how well off, and wealthy they happened to be too. Plus, they did support her goal of being a cop, just like her ancestors before her. Which had her loving them too as she was feeling glad that she was being adopted.

And yet at the same time, she was also feeling somber since she knew that Sly wasn't coming with her. And that they were going to get separated. For a long time at that.

Which was why she was feeling a bit sad on the inside as she was in front of Sly, as despite her smile, sadness was in her eyes. And Sly was able to see it.

"Are you okay, Carms?" He asked.

Carmelita nodded. "Si. I'm okay." She said. "It's just that I admit, I wish that you and your friends could come with me too."

"As do I." Sly said somberly. "I wish that I was adopted too, especially if it was the neighbors of that family that does it too, if so that we could meet again."

"Likewise." Carmelita said, putting her backpack down on the floor to hug him. "And I hope that your new familia raises you well if you're able to be adopted."

"I hope so too. Though I kind of wish you could stay here with me and my friends." He then said.

"I admit. I do wish for that too." Carmelita said, feeling that she may have a chance to decline her adoption at the last moment, which would mean she can stay at the orphanage with Sly until they're old enough to strike out on their own. But she knew that this is ultimately what she must do. She must have a new family that can raise her well in her dead parents' place. And she must make them proud by taking her education in law enforcement, and becoming a great cop. And the best inspector that she can be.

Which would be before she would avenge them, when she goes on her quest to beat the Fiendish Five and take back her book's pages. Which would be when Sly goes on his quest for his book's pages, leading to them teaming up with each other to beat them.

She just hoped that Sly would get his own family that would also raise him well, when he strikes out on his own.

"But we both knew that this day would come someday. I just hope that someday, you may find your own family, like I did." Carmelita said.

Sly had some doubts about that. As he wasn't interested in finding a new family that could raise him. If anything, he and his new gang could strike out on their own and leave the orphanage once they are old enough. Particularly before he eventually comes around to going after the Fiendish Five with his gang, and Carmelita by his side, as he would like to train himself a bit more before the day comes.

But for now, he was now following Carmelita as she soon had her bags in hand, as they were both on their way to the front door of the orphanage where her new parents, and Mrs. Puffin would be, where they would take her to her new home.

They soon were at the foyer of the orphanage, when Carmelita was putting down her bags, before looking at Sly with a sad smile on her face.

"Well Carms. I guess… this is goodbye." Sly said.

Carmelita nodded in agreement with him. As she sadly smiled at him, before coming closer to him, much to his confusion.

"Carmelita? What-"

Sly was startled when he felt lips on his own. Courtesy of Carmelita, as she started to kiss Sly on his lips.

It wasn't a passionate one, as it lasted for a few seconds, but it still felt like a surprise kiss of love to him that came out of the blue. Before Carmelita was soon retracting herself from his own lips before going back to her bags.

"Gracias. For being my friend, Sly. And… I hope we'll see each other again, someday." She said tearfully with a smile, picking up her bags.

"N-No problem." He said as he watched her leave through the door. Before coming up to the window.

Where he witnessed her meeting her Latin parents in a pair of Vulpines, with the vixen hugging her. Before they were both now on their way to their car. Where Carmelita entered it with her new parents. Before seeing it drive away. As it did, he could barely see Carmelita's face, looking at the orphanage, and maybe him by extension, for the last time, for a long time.

As did Sly, as he felt that it'll be quite a while before he could see her again. And that fact had him shedding tears himself. Since he had to admit, he enjoyed being with her like a best friend. Or maybe even more than that.

But he didn't dwell on it for long. As he knew that he must focus on what he must do now. Which is to continue to train himself in thieving around, and in his flexibility in such, and his skill with his cane, before, and after he can strike out on his own with his gang, and fight the Fiendish Five. And he shouldn't let this moment interfere with his training.

Besides, this isn't goodbye to her. It is merely a 'see you later' type of farewell. As he knew that he'll see her again someday.

And in hopefully, good circumstances.

*Present*

The pair of thieves were now at a large wooden gate, where they were now scanning over it through the Bino-Cu-com with Bentley.

"Would you look at the size of that industrial Voodoo gate? Mz. Ruby must really be trying to keep somebody out." Bentley said through the Bino-Cu-Com.

"Or, maybe… she's trying to keep something 'in'." Sly said.

"I'm… in agreement with Ringtail. And it's giving me the creeps." Carmelita said nervously.

She was nevertheless, not too scared to follow Sly into the area. As she was going to be courageous in her journey with Sly. After all, she was trained to have courage for her job since she needed to be brave as she becomes a cop, and inspector. Without either of them, she would've never been able to become both.

So she knew that she should remind herself of her bravery back in her law enforcement days. To where not even this thing that is inside the prison of this place should scare her away. No matter how much fear is going through her mind right now.

"You wanna wait outside, where it's safe? No one will laugh at you if you go to another area of the swamp." Sly said, assuring her that he isn't going to find it funny to see her chickening out. Especially if it's reasonable why she would.

"Thank you. But I won't run. It's something that my ancestors would never do, in moments like this, after all. So I shall make them proud." She said determined, while smiling at him for his concern.

"If so, then I'm sure they'd be happy that you're their descendant, considering your courage." Sly said.

Carmelita echoed that feeling, feeling glad if it was the case, before they were now both entering the area behind the gate, and inside the walls after doing some climbing from the branch that led them to the hook branch that they used their canes on, before rail walking on another branch to get to the tree platform, before using the slippery root to traverse their way into the patch of land.

Once they were in, they were now on the move. With Sly now running on the ground with Carmelita close behind. Where they got ambushed by a couple of large hanging spiders that did startle them both.

Moreso Carmelita, as she was briefly squealing before Sly whacked each of them. Before Carmelita was able to shoot some of them up ahead before any of them would sink their fangs into Sly's skin.

Despite the surprise, and the lingering nervousness, Carmelita was still following Sly along without much fear as they continued to traverse the patch of land around the tree that they were on until they were now climbing upwards together on the root that led upwards up the tree until they got to the mossy branch that held up the moss on it, making a platform for them to stand on.

Which led to the hook branch that they took to go to the other branches that they traversed, while Sly whacked another spider as they jumped to another mossy platform, where Carmelita shot down another mosquito before it could bite either of them, sucking out their blood till they're empty, or killing them with its virus bite.

"Good thing I still have my little friend." Carmelita said, referring to her shock gun. "That'd be one heck of a bad itch if it sank its proboscis into us."

'Hehe. Someone who calls their gun their friend, has issues. Meaning no offense. Just a little dinner, a little dancing, and I think I can help you out." Sly said humorously.

"Sounds romantic. As long as you don't mind dining in jail." Carmelita jokingly said.

"Nah. I heard the service is lousy there."

"Ah don't be like that. It ain't no high-class restaurant, but it isn't that bad. Trust me, 'if' you're there, you'll know for yourself." She then said.

"I'll keep that in mind." Sly said, smiling as they continued onwards through the branches until they got to the lower section of the swamp area they were in, where they saw some more walls nearby.

They soon were on the lower branch, and then to the hook branch when Bentley piped in.

"Those walls are making me feel claustrophobic." Bentley said.

"Come on Bentley, I don't like that. This area is pretty large." Sly said as he and Carmelita traversed the roots and the hook branches.

"And that means… whatever is in here, must be pretty large itself." Carmelita said, nervously again.

"But it shouldn't stop us from getting the next key here-"

"Wait! Look at those reeds." Carmelita said, seeing that the reeds are moving.

"Did you see those reeds move?" Bentley nervously asked. Causing her to nod nervously. "There's something huge under there! You both better get going!"

Neither thief needed to be told twice as they continue to traverse the roots, while whacking the spiders that got in their way. Before they were now on a patch of land near the tree. While Carmelita was feeling unnerved at the sight of the moving reeds, which had her feeling scared of landing in the water, feeling that whatever is underneath could eat her.

Sly also felt unnerved at that moment. As he too didn't want to get eaten by whatever that was, under the water. But he didn't feel scared enough to want to go back towards where they entered to escape the area. He continued on instead as they both were on the patch of land, with Carmelita destroying another mosquito along the way with her shock gun, before they were both now going up the tree via the root around the tree that they both rail walked on while whacking the candles out of their way.

Once at the top, they both took a slippery vine downwards where there was another vine that led there. But Sly wasn't expecting it, as he fell in the water, much to Carmelita's horror, since neither of them still can swim, and that's not to mention the monster under the water.

Fortunately, Sly was able to leap out of the water, and back onto the vine, where he jumped to the next vine to join Carmelita on it, much to her relief. While she reminded herself of another one of Sly's ancestors' tricks.

Being the 'Water Safety' trick, courtesy of Suzanne Cooper, that allows the Coopers to be able to jump out of the water. Which is quite handy for any Cooper that cannot swim. Including Sly. Which is a move that Carmelita knows too. Quite a beneficial trick for them to use, considering they can't swim.

"Thanks for the save, Suzanne. I really appreciate it." Sly said, looking up at the sky with a smile as he slid on the vine with Carmelita to the other side.

Now they were on the other side of the vine, and on another patch of land, where they jumped to another patch of land with help from another hook branch. And on that patch of land, there looked like a rib bone cage right next to it along with another tiki torch.

Both Sly and Carmelita continued forwards away from the cage via the root that they rail walked on.

As they rail walked though, the bone cage ended up shattering as a monster busted through it, showing itself to the pair. It looked like a humongous multicolored sea snake, with a yellow face, and yellow markings on its back, which was also a dark lava red color down its body, while it also had fins on its back. And it had yellow eyes with slits for pupils, and looked multicolored as the upper most half of the eyes was purple, while the lower half was red as it showed its long fangs of the snake.

And it snarled at them as it slithered out of the hole where the cage was, as it headed towards the thieves.

"¡SANTO C%$LO! (HOLY F%$K)" Carmelita screamed in terror at the sight of the snake.

"RUN! RUN!" Sly called out as he ran with the snake in pursuit.

Carmelita didn't need to be told twice as she ran close behind him, while the snake was slithering after them. It wasn't a fast creature as it slithered, but it did look like it was going to eat them, or bite them. Either of which, both thieves didn't want to happen as they traversed the path of roots that was in front of them.

Along with the hook branches that they each swung with their canes on to another root to rail walk on.

"Keep Going, Sly!" Carmelita called out, not wanting to get eaten by the large snake monster that Mz. Ruby was keeping in this large cage, likely since she seems to be scared of this snake monster too.

And who could blame her? Carmelita didn't, as she followed Sly.

Whom was also pretty terrified, but he still focused on the path ahead of them since it should lead to safety for them. So, he kept on going as they rail walked together to jump to another root, that started to ascend.

It made both of them thankful that they both know how to railwalk, as they thanked Tennesse for the move.

They continued to rail walk on the root, feeling the snake monster continue to chase them, not being far behind despite it not being as fast as them, as they were now jumping on the branches, which they put to use before they got destroyed by the snake biting down on them, after the thieves were continuing to traverse them to safety.

After sliding down the stiff vine that circled around a spire, they continued to rail run through the area, whacking the candles that blocked their path, until they got to another set of roots that ascended, and led them to a set of branches to jump on.

Which led to a large statue hand that held a treasure key on the podium. Which was fortunate for them, now they had to get it, and quickly get out of there before the snake eats them.

So they looked around while on the stone hand to see a way back to the gate that they got around to enter the area. And now they had to scale around the gate again to leave the area, and hopefully escape the snake's chase after them.

So they ended up swinging with their canes on some more branches that led to the first patch of land that they got on when they first entered the area. Where they were now at the gate, where they were scaling on the wall as the Snake was heading towards them. They each were hoping that the snake couldn't reach them. Which fortunately for them, it couldn't despite the attempts when they were able to get over the wall near the gate, and was soon on land, catching their breaths.

"*Huff* *Huff* Eso estuvo cerca. (That was close.) I thought we were serpent chow." Carmelita said.

"I thought the same. At least this chase ended in our getaway." Sly said, smiling. "And look, the key is ours too. Thank goodness."

"Thank goodness indee-"

Suddenly, behind them, the gate suddenly got busted open. And the serpent was roaring at them, like it was still trying to eat them both.

"KYAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!" Carmelita screamed alongside Sly as they were both running again.

They ran through the path in the woods, as the snake continued to slither after them, despite being out of the water. Which they occasionally saw, was because it was slithering from one section of the water path around their path, to another. It wasn't too long of a run until they were back in the main hub area of the swamp of Mz. Ruby's as they were trying to get away from the snake beast.

Which was where they dove for safety behind the bone statue on a podium, hoping that it wouldn't try to eat them without getting tangled in the bones in the center of the area.

Only for them to suddenly see that the snake was suddenly diving forwards, before bursting through the gate that blocked them off from the rest of Mz. Ruby's HQ, breaking it into pieces, while they realized that it was no longer chasing them, as it was now diving into the water behind the gate, before diving back down into the water back into the area they just exited from, through another gate that it broke through as well, from whence it came, and now it swam away underwater with the only thing being seen was the rest of its body following behind into the water. Which was much to their confusion. And relief.

"Whew. Close one." Carmelita said, after taking some relaxing breaths.

"No kidding. I thought you were both goners." Bentley said, having witnessed the chase through his probe cameras of the HQ that included the area where the beast was.

"At least that beast has given us a way through to the rest of Mz. Ruby's HQ." Sly said, noticing the now open doorway where the gate used to be. Much to their delight.

"Muy bien. (Very good.) Now we have the rest of the area to deal with, before we deal a major blow to her, and her operations here." Carmelita said. "And of course, take back our pages."

"Indeed." Sly said. Then he remembered something. "Oh and by the way, we're getting some soap to wash your mouth once we're done here." He then said, remembering her cursing when they got chased. And having understood enough Spanish to know what she's saying. Including the profane words.

Which had her remembering that too. Making her blush in embarrassment at that. "S-Sorry Ringtail. That… slipped out." She spoke in embarrassment.

"It's okay." He said reassuringly. "I thought that it was funny, looking back." He spoke with a smile.

It relieved Carmelita to hear that. Before they were now focused on the rest of the HQ that they were going to explore, for the rest of the keys that they needed to get to Mz. Ruby.

And they were ensuring that once they were done with her, they would take their pages back, learn a bit more about their ancestry, and stop her operation permanently.

And done.

After my break from fanfics, I have returned, and gave an update to this fic. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, and I hope that it is worth the wait.

And it seems that Carmelita has left the orphanage with her new family. Leaving Sly in the orphanage on his own with his gang. Such a bittersweet ending to her life in the orphanage. So sad, but it had to happen eventually.

Which means that the next flashback would be after Sly and his gang leaves the orphanage. And grows to be quite a team, by the time they meet Carmelita again.

Finally, one more thing.

I hope that you enjoyed the chapter,

please give constructive criticism,

And do not forget to read and review,

Hope you guys had a happy Thanksgiving,

And once again, I do not own the Sly Cooper series. It is owned by Sucker Punch, and Sony Entertainment. Please support the official release.

Theodore the poet signing off.